Suzuki GT750 "Water Buffalo"

[DesmonsterS4RS]

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/1005921253.html

Anyone have any personal experience with one of these ??

[oldjackbob]

It's a 2-stroke triple, liquid cooled (hence the nickname). My cousin had a '75. We did a few rides together when I was riding my old Norton. His bike was a nice touring machine, smooth and powerful (for the day).

I do recall that the cooling system was so efficient that the bike needed to run at a standing idle for something like 20 minutes before the engine temp got high enough for the cooling fan to energize. At one point, Suzuki simply removed the fan from subsequent models.

Not sure why anyone would want one today, though -- especially if all the pieces aren't there (carbs, etc).

[wbeck257]

Dad has one in his garage.
I've got a good amount of miles on it under my ass.

Its a good bike. It isn't as fast as the H3's.
It is comfy, handles well, and the brakes aren't too bad for the era.

Parts are readily available, and support too. It is a two stroke and isn't hard to work on.
For the price, what you are getting isn't bad. I'd be a little concerned about the motor -- tear it down, look at all the bearings, and seals. You don't want it to seize on you.

(And why wouldn't you want one!?! C`mon,  how many 3-cyl two stroke dirtbikes do you see on the road?? Good god now...)

[twolanefun]

Wasn't as quick as my 1972 modified Honda CB500 Four back then, but a good touring bike, very reliable, ran great and certainly was unique. A riding buddy had one and he and I did a ot of miles together, it was a big bike for it's day, handled well though. Not sure what it is worth or how much it would take to get it on the road but would be neat to have in the garage. - Gene

[Langanobob]

I think there is a national owner's club that can provide a lot of support and parts sources.  They seem to be a very popular old machine and if you like it, and like projects, I'd vote to go for it. 

[LA]

I've got other stuff I should work on first, but Hell I'd love to have one.

LA

[the_Journeyman]

I love them.  Parts can be found.  Never got to ride one, nearly picked up a project of one, but chickened out.  It was "all there but in boxes" according to the ad ~

Here's a little background info on them:

http://www.suzukicycles.org/GT-series/index.html

JM

[ducpainter]

The Water Buffalos were nice cruising type bikes. Not as fast or brutal as the Kawi H2, but they were good for their purpose.

I'd pick one up if the price was right.

One thing about the old 2 strokes. You are almost certainly going to have to replace seals on the crank after all this time. Having a crank done is not an inexpensive proposition.

[DesmonsterS4RS]

Thanks for all the info! I want some type of project bike but I am not sure if THIS is the right one for me. Just the thought of a 2 stroke 3 cyl street bike makes me smile lol. I know a freind in high school had an old Kawi 2stroke triple it sounded like a flock of bees and was SCARY fast! Especially for a 17 yr old!

[the_Journeyman]

The the Kawasaki v. Suzuki triple, the Suzuki was tamer and quieter.  The Suzuki was best at home just cruising around ~

JM

[CBRian]

I used to have 4 of them (2 for parts) They had low compression and weren't as fast as the H1 Kawasaki triple, but they had a very unusual sound. If you milled the head and dropped one tooth on the countershaft sprocket, they could pull power wheelies. They still are very popular in England where they call it the "Kettle".  I wish I still had them, but I had to make room for modern acquisitions. (CBR & Duck)